What role does risk assessment play in the regulatory framework?
Risk assessment is a cornerstone of the regulatory framework in toxicology. It involves evaluating the likelihood and severity of adverse effects from exposure to chemicals. The process typically includes hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. This systematic approach helps regulators determine whether a chemical poses an unacceptable risk and what measures are necessary to mitigate such risks, such as setting exposure limits or requiring specific labeling.